The Veterans Health Administration (VHA) of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) was greatly impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic, as were health care professionals throughout the world, and as a result, adjustments were made to health care delivery for veterans in an effort to prevent the epidemic. VHA, like other health care systems, has to defer non-emergency treatment, reduce in-person services, and greatly increase the use of telehealth to address the care requirements of veterans while still meeting their ongoing and new health care needs.
To ensure that essentials like PPE and other medical supplies are always readily available, the VHA is making changes to its supply chain procedures. The Department also prioritized community partnership building to boost access to telehealth in remote regions, allowing more people to get critical care including urgent care and immunizations without having to travel far. The need for VA community care specialists is rising as an increasing number of veterans use home medical devices and services to deal with their health problems. Being selfless requires more than just wanting to help people. You must meet requirements and follow regulations to work as a community care provider for the VA. We will discuss the steps involved in becoming a VA provider, including the requirements, the application process, and the advantages of doing business with the VA. Do you want to help those who have served our nation by becoming a medical professional who specializes in treating veterans? Okay, so let’s begin.
What is the VA's homemaker and home health aide care program like for veterans who need assistance at home?
One example of the VA’s commitment to providing care in the comfort of one’s own home and neighborhood is the H/HHA program. The purpose of the program is to ensure that returning service members may continue to live comfortably and independently in their own homes. Trained homemakers and home health aides provide assistance with personal care and daily tasks, companionship, and respite care for family caregivers of veterans living at home under the supervision of a certified nurse.
There may be a limited number of opportunities to combine the H/HHA program with other VA home and community-based services.
Veterans home care benefits:
Homemaker and home health aide care may help veterans maintain their independence and safety in the comfort of their own homes by providing support with a variety of activities of daily life.
Home care provided by the VA:
The following are examples of IADLs that homemakers and home health aides may help with to keep patients safe:
- Cleaning the patient’s living space to ensure it is clean, safe, and comfortable
- Patient comfort and hygiene necessitate frequent washing.
- Preparing Food
- The Grocery Run
- Transportation to and from medical appointments
VA's Services for Home Health Aides:
Assistance with the following ADLs is available from home health aides:
- Bathing
- Toileting
- Eating Dressing
- Transferring or ambulating
- Exercising both actively and passively
- Help with medical supplies
- Regular checkups and screenings
When a veteran receives treatment at home from the VA, it not only benefits them, but also gives their family caregivers a much-needed break. Combining these with others, such as adult day care, can reduce stress on families and buy time before a veteran needs to move into a nursing facility.
Please be aware that the VA’s home health care program does not cover specialized home health care services such as wound care, catheter care, physical therapy, or occupational therapy.
Who qualifies for the home care program for veterans?
A veteran must fulfill the following requirements to be eligible for VA home care assistance:
- Have signed up for the VA’s health care program
- Be eligible for local support programs
- Get home care only with a doctor’s order
The following sections elaborate on these three overarching requirements.
Benefit eligibility from the Veterans Administration
To get VA medical care, a veteran must first meet certain requirements. Those who served in the armed forces, navy, or air force who were discharged with less than a dishonorable status are generally eligible for the VA’s basic health care benefits program. In most cases, the need for in-home care develops long after an elderly veteran has filed for and begun receiving VA health care benefits.
Veterans who aren’t already enrolled in VA health care but who may be qualified to do so are encouraged to do so using the VA’s online application system. A veteran can apply for health benefits by visiting a VA medical facility or clinic in person, over the phone, or by mailing in an application for health benefits.
It is possible that a veteran who has previously sought for VA health care benefits but been rejected coverage would be approved this time around. It’s possible that they’re now eligible for coverage thanks to an improvement in their health or financial situation.
Priority groups are established by the VA and include factors such as the applicant’s military service, disability rating, income, and receipt of additional benefits (such as Medicaid, a VA pension, or VA disability compensation). Veterans’ eligibility for health care coverage and their out-of-pocket costs for treatment are determined by their priority enrollment group. According to the VA, those veterans whose impairments are directly attributable to their military service are placed in the highest priority category.
Qualifying for VA community care services
The next step is for a veteran to meet the criteria for community care in addition to VA health care coverage. Community providers may be authorized to provide care to veterans when the VA is unable to do so. Six new requirements for access to community care were created under the VA MISSION Act of 2018. Only one of these six conditions has to be satisfied. To qualify, a veteran must demonstrate that “no VA facility offers the hospital care, medical services, or extended care services the veteran requires.”
These long-term care services are unique to the H/HHA program since they are delivered only by community providers outside of the VA, including public and private home care firms. Any veteran in need of homemaker or home health aide services is immediately eligible for community care because the VA does not provide these services directly.
Getting approved for H/HHA care
Last but not least, a veteran has to have a legitimate medical reason for requiring H/HHA care. A full geriatric assessment will be performed by either their main care physician at the VA or a geriatrics care team to determine their current state of health and their degree of reliance on others for ADLs and IADLs.
If a veteran’s evaluation reveals that they fulfill one of the following conditions, they are clinically eligible for the VA homemaker and home health aide program.
- Need assistance with at least three ADLs
- Significant cognitive impairment
Veteran has dependence in two ADLs and at least two of the following apply:
- Has dependencies in three or more IADLs
- Is 75 years old or older
- Has been diagnosed with clinical depression
- is a solitary community resident
- Has either just been released from a nursing home, or will be released soon, pending home and community-based care services
- high medical service user, as defined by 12 visits to an emergency room or outpatient clinic in the last year or three or more hospital stays in the past year
The results of the formal evaluation, the care objectives, and the suggested service(s) and duration will all be documented in a care plan. H/HHA services and maybe others to augment this treatment will be ordered by the veteran’s VA primary care practitioner if they fit the three broad requirements listed above. Keep in mind that a veteran may establish a clinical need for in-home care and acquire an order for services even if they do not match all of the above requirements.
How to Become a Home Medical Equipment Supplier for the VA's Community Care Program
There are a few requirements to meet before you may begin providing home medical care for Veterans Affairs patients:
1. Obtain the Necessary Knowledge and Training
To be a VA community care provider of home medical equipment, you need certain training and knowledge. It is typical for healthcare providers to complete a training program that teaches them how to properly use the various pieces of equipment they will use. Companies providing services like respiratory therapy or medical supplies may be required to have extra certifications or licenses.
2. Become licensed.
There are several states that mandate licensing for those who offer medical treatment in the home. State and equipment type determine the specific licensing requirements. In general, you will need to show that you can pass a criminal background check and complete any necessary training or schooling.
. Performing a History Search
In certain states, including Florida, prospective home medical device suppliers are required to demonstrate that they have no criminal history. According to the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), applicants must use a certified provider of electronic fingerprinting services in order to fulfill this requirement in the state of Florida. One of the most well-known approved providers is the Florida Electronic Fingerprinting Service (FEPS).
. Obtaining a License Application
After finishing the necessary coursework or training and passing a criminal history check, you can apply for a license to operate as a supplier of home medical equipment. If you want more information on the specific requirements for licensure in your state, you can contact the licensing board in your state.
. Preparing for a Test
In order to practice as a provider of home medical equipment in several jurisdictions, one must first pass an examination. The state you live in and the tools you have access to may both affect the requirements for passing your test. Make sure you study hard and get yourself prepared for the test to increase your chances of doing well.
. Acquiring One’s Permit
In order to start working as a VA community care provider of home medical equipment, you must first fulfill all prerequisites, such as taking and passing any necessary exams and obtaining any necessary licenses or certifications. Make sure your patients are getting the finest care possible by staying abreast of developments in your field.
3. Experiment and Learn
After finishing your formal training and earning the necessary credentials, real-world experience is essential. Find local job postings that match your experience and education level. Think about doing an internship or other voluntary work to get some hands-on experience.
4. Submit an application to become a VA Community Care Provider.
Applying for VA Community Care Provider Status would allow you to sell medical supplies and devices to veterans in need. The form is available online at the VA’s site. You will be expected to supply evidence of your qualifications, including transcripts, certificates, and work experience. After the VA reviews your application, you will be added to their roster of local caretakers.
5. Establish connections with veterans and caregivers.
Gaining the trust of veterans and their loved ones is essential to a fulfilling career as a VA community care professional. Join veteran groups in your area and present yourself and your services at their gatherings. Make connections with other medical experts and look for ways to work together. Be nice and respectful to your patients at all times, and do everything it takes to help them.
Concluding Remarks
To enter this lucrative field, one must first obtain the necessary training, education, and certification to become a VA Community Care Provider of Home Medical Equipment. Veterans who have qualified for VA education benefits might pursue this field of work and improve the lives of their fellow service members. First, one must obtain the requisite knowledge and training, take the necessary tests and earn the required license(s), and then look into available employment options.
You should know that being licensed involves a background check if you are a veteran interested in this field of work. If you follow the link on the Florida Board of Medicine’s licensure page, you may get a background check from a service recognized by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement (FDLE).
